If Kelsey Bruder’s predictions keep coming true, the future will be
bright for the Florida softball team.
On Wednesday, the senior singled out catcher Tiffany DeFelice as
the player to watch this weekend, and she couldn’t have been more
correct.
Playing at home for the first time since March 5, DeFelice’s two
hits helped No. 10 Florida (31-7, 8-6 Southeastern Conference)
avoid its seventh-straight loss as it beat Arkansas (10-30, 1-16
SEC) 4-0.
“T.D. got us going… like I told you,” Bruder said. “That meeting we
had Tuesday really helped a lot. It’s like we found new energy for
the game.”
From the first pitch, Florida played with a newfound passion and
confidence that wasn’t visible the past six games.
Freshman Hannah Rogers rebounded from a string of poor starts,
tossing a complete game shutout.
The righty allowed only five hits, walked none and struck out four
in her 17th win.
DeFelice has been a stabilizing presence for Rogers during her
recent struggles.
“I just joke around with her and try to say anything I can to get
her to laugh,” DeFelice said. “She’s so focused and mentally
tough.”
Entering the game with a .189 average, DeFelice doubled in her
first at-bat.
After Cheyenne Coyle walked and Michelle Moultrie laid down a bunt
single, second baseman Aja Paculba ripped a double into the
left-field gap, clearing the bases.
Although the Gators added only one more run, Brittany Schutte made
it count.
With just three homers in her last 50 at-bats, the cleanup hitter
launched the first pitch in the sixth inning off a tree in right
field to break the slump.
The sophomore may have gotten “big-leagued” by her teammates when
she first got to the dugout, but that cohesiveness and new attitude
was key to picking up the win, DeFelice said.
Even with her hand injury not far behind her, sometimes winning can
be the best cure.
“Right now it’s feeling amazing. Tape is a great invention,”
DeFelice said jokingly, pointing to her left wrist and hand
wrapped. “Everything feels better after a win.”
